38 E. Coli cases, 1 death linked to Cleveland County Fair

The number of people stricken by an outbreak of E. coli bacteria has jumped to 38 visitors to a county fair in North Carolina. One child is dead.

The state Department of Health and Human Services said Monday that 22 children and 16 adults who attended the Cleveland County Fair have been sickened. Two are from South Carolina.

Besides the Gaston County child who died last week, seven victims have needed hospital treatment. Gaston County Health Director Chris Dobbins said three people are on dialysis and four developed a type of kidney failure.

The nine-day Cleveland County Fair ended Oct. 7. Health officials say symptoms of E. coli infection could come up to 10 days after exposure and can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting.

Health officials continue to investigate to determine the source of this E. Coli outbreak. The bacteria are found in the waste of animals, and people who touch contaminated material such as food or animals can transfer the bacteria to their mouths or to other people.

Diplomats and negotiators kept working Tuesday as a deadline approached to reach a deal on a framework agreement on Iran's nuclear program, but a U.S. State Department official said the discussion may continue after the cutoff.